Peter and Fran

We would like a list of indoor trees. We are just beginning and prefer indoor to outdoor.

Phil

Actually, there is no such thing as an indoor bonsai as all trees are meant to be kept outside.
However, there are some species that will tolerate and thrive indoors if given the proper environment as to light, temperature, and humidity. One of the best species that will do quite well indoors is tropical trees such as Ficus. There are many species of Ficus and some are hardier than others and will tolerate a certain amount of abuse.

Most Ficus will do quite well and I would highly recommend starting out with them first and see how things go.
Others would be: Serissa, Fukien Tea, Sheflerra and possibly Chinese Elm but I would hold off on that tree for starting out. I’m sure others will chime in with their suggestions and experiences with growing various species indoors relative to their difficulty.
Also, books would be your best bet. Some good suggestions off the top of my head would be: “Indoor Bonsai” by Paul Lesniewicz and “Introduction to Indoor Bonsai” by Jerry Meislik, a well renowned expert on Ficus and one of our well esteemed members as is Brent Walston of Evergreen Gardenworks (see link below)

Here are two links on the care of indoor bonsai:
Growing Bonsai Indoors

Bonsai Basics Indoor Bonsai

Best of luck and welcome aboard BonsaiCHAT!

~Phil~

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Michel

Hi

Several good books exist on the subject, and most of 'em
contain a vast lineup of good indoor bonsai candidates.
Here's a few links:


1.Ficus, the exotic bonsai Jerry Meislik

2.Indoor bonsai Paul Lesniewicz

3.Bonsai in Your Home Paul Lesniewicz

4.Indoor bonsai Brooklyn Botanic Gardens

5.Growing bonsai indoors Brooklyn Botanic Gardens

Good luck,

__________________
Greetz,
Michel

philgrayser

Hi i would reccomend Ficus, Jade trees, and shefflera. All are good for indoors and are very easy to grow for novices. Cheers Phil G.

Peter and Fran

Thank you all for your input. We look forward to taking the suggestions for trees and books.
Peter

shaggybirdman

arboracola is another nice starter. it's more of a clip, and grow tree, but you can learn to propagate them as well. they strike roots very easily. ficus are fantastic starter trees as well as mentioned above. brush cherries work well indoors, but will need artificial lights to be happy. in the summer you can put them outside when night temps stay over 45-50*. mine is going outside today along with my root over rock ficus.

just my 2 cents worth.

Peter and Fran

I am pleased to get your input. We have obtained some interesting trees from the nurseries around here.
Ficus,Serrisa,Murtel,Gardenia,Crabapple. We are potting some of the local coniferous trees too that we have won at our Cowichan Valley Bonsai Club meetings. Our deck will look like a forrest soon. Having a great time.
Peter